Hearing Aid Batteries

Along with basic accessories such as a carry case and maintenance tools, batteries are a necessary purchase for all hearing aid users. There are four common sizes of batteries that are smaller than a penny and come in either rechargeable or zinc-air button versions.

Today’s hearing aid batteries are “zinc-air.” Because the batteries are air-activated, a factory-sealed sticker keeps them “inactive” until you remove the sticker. Once the sticker is removed from the back of the battery, it is active.

Do Not store zinc air batteries in the refrigerator. Water particles will form under the sticker and oxygen will reach the battery. Batteries should be stored in a cool location. Zinc-air batteries are the most common type of battery for hearing aid users. They may be stored for up to three years in a room temperature, dry environment.

Usage such as volume and amount of time the hearing aid is worn will also affect the lifespan of a battery. You can extend the life of your batteries by removing them when your hearing aids are not in use, storing them at room temperature, and keeping them free from humidity. They also should not be carried in pockets, backpacks or purses where they may come in contact with keys or change that can short-circuit the battery.

All batteries are toxic and dangerous if swallowed. Keep all batteries (and hearing aids) away from children and pets. If anyone swallows a battery it is a medical emergency and the individual needs to see a physician immediately. If a battery is swallowed, immediately call the 24-hour National Battery Ingestion Hotline at 202-625-3333 (call collect if necessary) or call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222.

The sizes of hearing aid batteries are listed below along with their standard number and color codes.

Size 10 YELLOW

Size 13 ORANGE

Size 312 BROWN

Size 675 BLUE

Battery Safety Warning

There was an incident where a used Zinc Air Cell Battery was stored for disposal jointly with other batteries in a film box and burst with a loud bang. If battery cells which are totally discharged come into electrical contact with one another, an unintentional charging, and in exceptional cases, bursting of the cell is possible. Batteries should be recycled. Do not dispose of in fire, recharge, reverse polarity, or allow batteries to inadvertently contact metal objects or other batteries – – they may leak or explode and cause injury.